Whistleblower Safeguards in the Security and Defense Sectors
At the 2026 European Whistleblowing Conference held in Brussels, Sergey Gupiak, Deputy Chair of Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), shared Ukraine’s approach to protecting whistleblowers within the security and defense fields. The event served as a vital forum to explore protection frameworks, legislative efforts, and the challenges posed by using artificial intelligence in document verification.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has drafted legislation aimed at bolstering safeguards for military personnel who report corruption. The proposals put forward by NACP have been fully incorporated into this draft law, which is currently under review by Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers. This legislative initiative is part of the State Anti-Corruption Program for 2023–2025 and aligns with recommendations from the OECD.
Launching a Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal
In September 2023, NACP introduced a centralized whistleblower reporting portal that enables individuals to report corruption—including anonymously—and track the progress of their submissions. By October 2026, over 12,200 organizations were connected to this platform. During the conference, discussions focused on secure reporting mechanisms, especially for violations involving state secrets and defense activities, as well as ensuring the protection of sensitive information.
Sergey Gupiak emphasized the critical need to safeguard sensitive data, stating: "Sensitive information demands absolute protection, but this must not be used as a reason to silence reports of misconduct."
He also highlighted the necessity of robust legislative reforms: "All these areas are interconnected, yet meaningful progress hinges on quality legal changes. That is why it is crucial that parliament endorses the required legislative initiatives, some of which are already under consideration."
The NACP continues to advance the whistleblowing framework by refining laws, raising public awareness, enhancing the expertise of professionals, digitizing procedures, and ensuring the protection of whistleblowers’ rights.
This conference underscores the increasing global focus on protecting whistleblowers, particularly in sensitive sectors like security and defense. Ukraine’s experience, encompassing both legislative development and the creation of anonymous reporting platforms, offers a valuable model for countries seeking to strengthen institutional safeguards. The draft law’s alignment with international guidelines reflects Ukraine’s commitment to combating corruption and reinforcing whistleblower protections.
As Ukraine strengthens its legal frameworks for whistleblower protection, it is essential to consider the broader context of these initiatives. Recent findings in the 2025 Whistleblower Protection Report by NAZK highlight a decline in reporting and significant awareness gaps that may hinder progress. Understanding these challenges is crucial for effectively implementing reforms and ensuring that whistleblowers feel safe to come forward.